Two cops under investigation are released

Two police sergeants from St. Clair Shores and Detroit under investigation for an armed robbery were released from custody late Monday afternoon as prosecutors mull what, if any, charges will be brought.

The two veteran cops are under investigation for a July 21 incident in which they are accused of robbing two males in their early 20s at a Citgo gas station near Interstate 94 and French Road in Detroit. The men were retaliating against the men for stealing the cell phone and money from the daughter of the St. Clair Shores officer.

The men were released pending a warrant potentially being signed by Wayne County prosecutors, according to Detroit Police Officer Phillip Cook.

“At this point it’s under investigation,” Cook said. “The prosecutors office is looking over the materials.”

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Police could hold them for up to 72 hours following their arrests Saturday before they had to be charged or released, Cook said.

The St. Clair Shores sergeant, 42, a 17-year veteran, has been suspended without pay. The 47-year-old Detroit cop is a 20-year veteran.

The two officers, donning their police badges and armed with their department-issued handguns, drove to the gas station in a black pickup truck and robbed and pistol-whipped the men who stopped for gas in a green pickup truck. The officers were also wearing vests, although Detroit police were not sure if they were the property of police.

Potential charges could include armed robbery and assault.

Their names have been withheld pending the issuance of an arrest warrant.

The two officers were in the same Police Academy class 20 years ago, according to Detroit police. The St. Clair Shores officer served two years as a patrolman in Detroit’s 12th precinct before moving, police said.

Police were alerted to the suspects by someone who contacted a local TV station with a cellphone image from the robbery. The St. Clair Shores cop was identified in a police photo lineup.

Police initially believed the incident may be connected to other police impersonation cases in Detroit in recent weeks but now believe the cops were involved in only one incident.

About the Author

My beat is the courts of Macomb County and general assignment.
Read more of Jameson Cook's court coverage on his blog http://courthousedish.blogspot.com/ Reach the author at jamie.cook@macombdaily.com
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